Greenbank Garden

Admire an impressive range of plants, including a National Collection of Bergenia.

Don’t miss the daffodils and bluebells in spring.

For gardening inspiration, Greenbank Garden is unbeatable. This surprising oasis of tranquillity and beauty is set less than a mile from Glasgow’s bustling Southside suburbs. It is also an impressive celebration of west coast domestic gardening, featuring more than 3,600 named species of plants.

Greenbank was built for Robert Allason in the 1760s – he made his money as a tobacco merchant and slave trader in the days when Glasgow was the second city of the British Empire. The walled garden was built at the same time as the house, and both are surrounded by tall swaying beeches. After the American Wars of Independence he went bankrupt and lost the house and estate.

Today, the large garden educates and inspires visitors to grow a wide array of plants in their own gardens.

Gradings & Awards

Wander around the garden and you will find lots of tips and ideas to take back to your own green haven. Relax by the beautiful statue of Foam, a bronze water nymph set in a circular pool with fountains. Enjoy a winter walk surrounded by flowering shrubs and carpets of snowdrops. Admire the 568 varieties of daffodils that burst into life in spring. In the summer, visitors can also look round Greenbank House.

The woodland walk is ideal for a family ramble – and dogs are welcome too. Children will enjoy spotting the various sculptures and wood carvings throughout the garden and wider estate.

There is a tearoom, shop and plant sales, with a changing range of plants available (open seasonally).

Assistance dogs are welcome within the walled garden. All dogs can be walked through the woodland walk on a lead.

Parking at the property is available 75m from the reception and is free for members.

Regular garden walks, suitable for all ages, are informative and loads of fun!

Guided tours are available for pre-booked groups. Please allow 1 hour for the tour plus time for refreshments if required. Groups interested in gardening often want to linger longer.

Groups of over 30 are usually taken in two groups, each with a guide.

Special interest tours are available by arrangement, with possible practical demonstrations.

School groups are welcome – various itineraries are available depending on the age group.

Coach parking is available in the car park and main drive.

For further information and to make a booking, please telephone 0141 616 5126.

Disabled parking is available adjacent to the visitor reception.

There are 8 steps to the door of Greenbank House, and then it is level (the upper floor is not open).

The shop and tearoom have level access.

Two assisted-use wheelchairs are available for visitors.

There are gentle slopes in the garden with mainly lawn paths.

Accessible toilets are in the courtyard, adjacent to the reception/shop/tearoom.

Sections of the garden are planted with scented and textured plants, and there is sound from water features.